Immerse yourself in a weekend of natural beauty at the upcoming Flower & Garden Show March 22-24 at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, IL running Fri: Noon - 8 p.m. | Sat: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Sun: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Indulge your senses with stunning garden displays, captivating landscapes, and delightful floral arrangements. Explore room and patio settings that inspire outdoor living, and browse through a diverse selection of lawn and garden products at the marketplace.

Don't miss Illinois Extension's display garden, where Master Gardeners will showcase the diverse branches of Extension's expertise. Visit their information booth to access valuable gardening resources and have your gardening questions addressed. Dive into a series of horticulture presentations to enhance your knowledge and passion for gardening provided by University of Illinois Extension educators, staff, and Master Gardeners at the show throughout the weekend.
Admission $6/advance or $8 at the door. Details at: www.qccaexpocenter.com
Here's the University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Presentation Schedule:

Friday, March 22nd:

• 5:00 p.m.: Dive into Tree Care with Emily Swihart, Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator. Emily will guide you through the essential dos and don’ts of tree planting and care, covering topics like tree selection, proper planting depth, watering recommendations, and post-planting care.

• 6:30 p.m.: Discover "All You Need to Know about Native Plants" with Cindy Lenger, Illinois Extension Master Gardener. Cindy will explore how native plants can enhance your home landscape, create pollinator pockets, and support various species, while also discussing the benefits of growing from seed versus buying plants.

Saturday, March 23rd:

• 11:00 a.m.: Explore "The Branches of Extension and What It Can Do for YOU" with David Arensdorf, Illinois Extension Master Gardener. Learn about the services and support provided by the Extension Office, with examples illustrating their community benefits.

• 12:00 p.m.: Save energy at home with "Home Energy Savings" presented by Jim Knorr, Illinois Extension Master Gardener. Jim will share insights on residential energy usage and tips for reducing consumption, drawing from personal experience and valuable resources.

• 1:00 p.m.: Engage your "Lil’ Green Thumbs" with Heather Bonsell, Illinois Extension Master Gardener. Discover fun gardening projects suitable for kids of all ages and garden sizes, ensuring both plants and young gardeners thrive.

• 2:00 p.m.: Learn about "Our New Asian Tiger Mosquito" with Margie Estivill, Illinois Extension Master Gardener. Explore the invasive species' habits, the diseases they carry, and the implications of their survival in colder climates.

• 3:00 p.m.: Rediscover "All You Need to Know about Native Plants" with Cindy Lenger, Illinois Extension Master Gardener. Dive into the world of small to medium native plants and their role in supporting local ecosystems.

• 4:00 p.m.: Cultivate Community with Mitchell Walker, SNAP-Education Program Coordinator with Illinois Extension. Learn how local initiatives like the Floreciente Community Garden are addressing food insecurity by providing fresh, locally grown produce to those in need.

Sunday, March 24th:

• 12:00 p.m.: Join David Arensdorf, Illinois Extension Master Gardener, to explore "The Branches of Extension and What It Can Do for YOU" once again.

• 1:00 p.m.: Engage your "Lil’ Green Thumbs" once more with Heather Bonsell, Illinois Extension Master Gardener.

• 2:00 p.m.: Learn about "Our New Asian Tiger Mosquito" with Margie Estivill, Illinois Extension Master Gardener.

• 3:00 p.m.: Wrap up the weekend with Jim Knorr, Illinois Extension Master Gardener, as he shares more insights on "Home Energy Savings."